I know! I told Annette how proud I was of her new spine, and she tried to downplay it, i.e. The visit was almost over anyway. It wasn't dramatic or brave, she said. She just grabbed Taylor and her purse and bolted.

But seriously, it was a huge turnaround.

Annette is worried that there will be long term effects on MIL's ability to see Taylor, but she figures if MIL really wants to see her granddaughter, MIL will either find a way or convince FIL that it's in his best interest not to behave badly.

They did see the in laws for Christmas Eve, but FIL stayed quiet and didn't interact much with Taylor (read: pouted) and grumbled about "not being able to say anything."

Heaven's to Betsy! Who's the bigger baby, grandpa or Taylor? I'm glad Annette and Todd found their spines. Maybe grandma will find hers to either set her husband straight or figure out a way to see Taylor without him.

Annette is worried that there will be long term effects on MIL's ability to see Taylor, but she figures if MIL really wants to see her granddaughter, MIL will either find a way or convince FIL that it's in his best interest not to behave badly.

That's the key. MIL is a grown woman. She can figure out how to help the situation if she has the incentive to.

No, she's able-bodied and drives. It's more that they are a "package deal," and FIL would make life at home pretty miserable/uncomfortable for MIL if she goes to visit Taylor without him. The weird thing is, FIL really enjoys seeing Taylor, he just doesn't understand that it's not all about FIL and how he feels. He has to consider how the things he says and does affect her.

They did see the in laws for Christmas Eve, but FIL stayed quiet and didn't interact much with Taylor (read: pouted) and grumbled about "not being able to say anything."

Heaven's to Betsy! Who's the bigger baby, grandpa or Taylor? I'm glad Annette and Todd found their spines. Maybe grandma will find hers to either set her husband straight or figure out a way to see Taylor without him.

Agreed. It is very immature behaviour to claim you (general) are not "allowed" to say "anything" when called out on bad behaviour. Bravo for the parents, they did the right thing and FIL is going to have to sit and rub his mad spot until he gets over it.

Great update! I think Taylor's parents handled things beautifully and I'm glad that Taylor was able to spend time around her grandparents at Christmas-time without getting the emotional backlash that normally comes. A quiet pouting Grandpa may actually be better than the one who talks and upsets her that way.

FIL told Todd he was over-reacting. MIL seemed to be in shock because she didn't respond much beyond asking them not to leave. They did see the in laws for Christmas Eve, but FIL stayed quiet and didn't interact much with Taylor (read: pouted) and grumbled about "not being able to say anything."